Way, way back before numbers and sponsored posts were a ‘thing’, there was this other ‘thing’ called ‘Personal Blogging’. And it was amazing.
Back then, things were easier. You’d write a post. And, if you were lucky, people would read it. Not only that but people would leave this thing called a ‘comment’. And conversation would commence in the comment section because, you see, it was before Facebook and the ‘like’ button came along. And, writing in the comment section was really the only place, aside from maybe Twitter, back when there wasn’t an ‘e’ in it..or even Plurk, when Twittr wasn’t around, where we’d connect to discuss.
That’s where the magic happened. When friendships…TRUE, real friendships were formed. Friendships that evolved from blog comments to OMG..phone calls. Which led to the excitement of seeing these friends at BlogHer! Friendships that transcended the virtual and became reality.
What’s making me nostalgic, you ask? Well, a few days ago I was thinking about the blogging days of old. And, I posted a little comment on Facebook which led into a rather lengthy discussion. You can check out the conversation for yourself, it seems I’m not alone in my reminiscing.
Blogging always had a life of its own. It was more than just a hobby. More than just writing. It was a lifestyle. A passion. A fire that burned. It built us up. And, it destroyed some of us, too. Not to mention, housework was neglected in favor of online chatting via whatever social channel everyone was hanging out on at the time. We cheered, cried, high-fived and hugged our friends as they poured their lives out into their online, public diaries. We saw pregnancies become births. We struggled to get pregnant. We were introduced to future spouses. We lived through divorces. We supported causes of illnesses. We watched babies grow, right before our eyes. We were family.
I don’t know about you but..I miss THAT kind of blogging.
Then, blogging took off. Everyone started blogging. Okay, not everyone. But a lot of people. Back when I first started, there were only 10’s of thousands of blogs. Now, there are millions and bazillions. And, as expected, the whole blogging thing evolved. Brands saw opportunity to connect with influential bloggers and, in turn, bloggers saw opportunity to turn a passion into a career that actually could help support their families.
I haven’t figured that part out yet..the whole supporting of my family from this little space on the interwebs. Maybe someday.
I’ve watched some of my little blogging friends go full throttle into super stardom. It’s been pretty amazing to witness. I’ve also seen big bloggers shut down their blogs because some of them, like me, didn’t like where the journey was taking us. Blogging wasn’t blogging anymore. It was more about marketing.
We’ve talked about this before, you and I (my one or two readers here). I’ve bemoaned the fact that personal blogging seems to have been taken over by sponsored posts and product reviews. Sure, there are still some personal blogs out there. They are fantastically well written. But, it seems the kind of content readers want is more along the lines of how well a bouncy slide holds up at a 3 year olds birthday party rather than posts that actually talk about OMG I can’t believe I have a three year old and spent the money to rent a bouncy slide. Which..I don’t have a 3 year old, I’m just citing an example.
So, why am I here? Wait, I know how I got here. The mom, the dad and a big, special hug. I actually mean..why this post?
Because, I want to see personal blogging become more important again. Forget going viral. Forget numbers. Maybe don’t forget about finding a way to help support the family through the blog because that’s must for many of us.
Bring back old school blogging. Where the posts about your kids, your family, your dog..the heartfelt ones…matter.
Bring back the time before the ‘like’ button replaced the comment.
Bring back the conversations. The connections.
I just recently found out that you can purchase prewritten, pre-linked, pre-imaged posts! About ANYTHING and EVERYTHING. I was shocked.
Here’s where I admit, I bought a few posts I have published on my blog. If you look at some of the more recent posts, I’m sure you can guess which ones. The round ups, the recipes. Hey, I’m just a blogger trying to find her way within a territory that has become so completely unfamiliar.
I hate those posts I bought. I hate that I spent money on them. Sure, I wrote the intros but other than that..nope, not mine. I’m so ashamed.
Yet, it’s becoming all too common..and probably quite a good business for those who are selling them.
You know what made me sad? Up until yesterday, my most popular, most searched for post was a round up of crockpot recipes. A post I only wrote the intro for.
Yeah.
But then yesterday, something miraculous happened. A post I wrote. A personal story I shared here about getting my son a cellphone..became the highest ranking post I’ve EVER WRITTEN.
I wasn’t excited about the actual numbers, although..for my blog..HUGE.
I was more excited about the fact that there IS still a need for personal blogging. For other people to feel like they aren’t alone in their daily struggles. For other people to know there are crazier families out there than their own.
That made me happy.
Personally, I will keep my blog niche-less. Because that’s how it’s always been. I’ll share personal stories, if I’m allowed. Otherwise, they’ll have to be fiction.
I mourn the loss of what blogging used to be. I do. I hate the fact that I live in the past. I realize everything has to evolve in order to remain relevant. But, doesn’t it have to go into hyper evolution overdrive? Can’t we just take a collective deep breath and slow it down a bit? Give blogging back its integrity? After all, blogging comes from the word ‘weblog’ which originally, it’s purpose was an online diary. I’m not seeing much of that these days.
It’s wishful thinking, I totally get it. The only thing I can change is me. If I can’t singlehandedly bring old school blogging back, I sure as heck can bring back a blog roll on my blog.
So..if you want to be on an old school, fun, silly, blogroll..leave me a comment with your blog name and URL. I’ll take it from there!
And hey..thanks for reading this rant of mine that meandered all over the place. I needed to get it out of me and share it.
I long for the good old blogging days too. I made true friendships in those early days, friendship that I still enjoy today. You’re one of my longest online friendships, and I’m grateful that we’ve met In Real Life too.
Tara R.´s last blog post ..A shot of Vitamin D
I’m so glad we met in real life, too! I wish we could again!! XOXO
I do miss those days. I met you and Deb Anderson, two women I hope to have in my life for many years to come. So let’s all raise a glass and toast the good ‘ol days and hopefully the new future.
xo
Dude, you’re stuck with me forever. Are you kidding? You’re one of my dearest friends!!! XOXO
Enjoyed your post and agree with the point. I’m with Joe (although I got here via Lance, lol) in that I’ve barely figured out the old way. Sometimes I look back through old posts and feel nostalgic, wishing other people had read them, but it feels too self-congratulatory to promote my posts or expect anyone to read them all, much less consider them marketable. A “like” count at least feels like maybe somebody read a post, nodded their head in understanding, then took the tiny step of clicking “like.”
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Melissa!
Katy B.´s last blog post ..Consequence of Time
We are baby bloggers, but do approach it from an old school perspective. We just want to write about what we experience and enjoy in life. We were a bit taken aback as to what we’ve seen out there, the appeal to us was the sharing of stories and life. We appreciate hearing about people’s lives, what they’ve been through, what they’ve learned, and what makes them laugh. Loved reading your perspective as an old school blogger. Peace, MAD!! 🙂
I’ve read your blog, it’s definitely more in the personal blog arena than anything else! 🙂
We started out just blogging for family and friends. Telling our stories and adventures for fun and sharing our life. As I look at our blog, I thought about the review category, and that was started because we were asked about things we used for hiking, craft beer we like or places to eat vegetarian in our area. We had no idea in the beginning that bloggers are actually compensated for reviews, and we have never been, although we have wondered if maybe we should receive some form of compensation. It really was just done so we could share the things we enjoy. We don’t know how to do all that, but we might look into it at some point. Just don’t know where to start looking for reliable information on how to monetize. We’ll see where it goes. Again, we enjoyed your blog, Melissa. Peace, MAD 🙂
Debbie´s last blog post ..Lucky Pie – Denver Lodo
Excellent read hon! Definitely helps put things in a different perspective for me 😉
Sarah M´s last blog post ..Blue Bunny Summer Savings Coming Sunday (5/10) to your Local Newspaper!
Thanks Sarah!!
I don’t know, Melissa. This looks a lot like “spearheading” to me! Makes me smile. 🙂 Definitely feels old school to me and I love it! Count me and my new blog in, lovey. (I have “Flashback Fridays” for reviving favorite blog posts from years past. Remember when we did that and called it “Scrolling Saturdays”?)
Colleen´s last blog post ..Happy Birthday Colleen!
I’m not sure about how spearheading-ing this is! Can’t wait for you to start blogging again!! And YES! Of course I remember Scrolling Saturday! It was the first blog meme I ever ‘spearheaded’!! XO
Oh, good gravy and Pinterest! Every post has to have a “pinnable” image. It’s all recipes, round ups and crafts! Don’t get me wrong, I love a good round up of 1,293,251 casserole recipes just as much as the next person, but I miss reading actual words on blogs!
Me too. The recipe posts help me figure out dinner. But there’s nothing better than being emotionally moved by someone’s words.
I found the blogging community right before it went south. I loved it then and I love it now (I tend to steer clear of “sponsored” posts – don’t read them at all) but I do miss the connections. I know people are looking at my posts but the comments section gets pretty lonely with the exception of one or two regulars. I’ve been actively seeking out more “personal” bloggers and can’t wait to see your blog roll!
Yes, so much has changed. But much like every other medium out there, it has to. Nothing stays the same. So I try to keep my circle small and my heart open. I love what I do and I would never imagine that I would be doing this full-time. But it can be stressful and cutthroat and impersonal, much like any other “job”. I think it is what you make it. The connections can still continue and so can the camaraderie if you keep that your goals. 🙂
The Cubicle Chick´s last blog post ..Be Sheer with L’eggs: Five Parenting Hacks for a Seamless Evening Routine #MothersDay
Thank you! This is just how I feel. It would be lovely to be able to make money someday from my blog, and I applaud those that do,but For reasonsof time among other things, it’s not feasible right now. I just want to tell the stories, about whatever topic I choose, without worrying about numbers or niche.
Meg Havansky Hammil´s last blog post ..After 150 Years Are We Still At War?
Interesting perspective. I’ve only had my blog for two years and the personal aspect of blogging was one of the reasons it took me so long to start a blog. I wasn’t sure how much I wanted to share. At the end of the day I started my blog not to make money, but because I wanted to write about stuff that I like. I still stay true to that and am very selective about any sponsored posts that I undertake. If we’re not having fun and it becomes another job then I’m not sure it is worth the time and effort. Let’s put the fun back into blogging 🙂
Detroit Duchess´s last blog post ..Friday Favorites: Fourth Anniversary Edition